A unique and distinctive culture emerges from the Burning Man experience. Rooted in the values expressed by the Ten Principles, this culture is manifested around the globe through art, communal effort, and innumerable individual acts of self-expression. To many, it is a way of life.

haha, I bet it'd be a tradition for some, to try to find you each year, and be greeted in "your special way".........

It only works for new people.

I started out just wanting to keep things moving, but people want a show.Some people come just to see their friends come through the gate.

First I find out how long people have been coming, some over twenty years now.I don't waste time with people that know the basics (the purpose of greeter's gate).

I ignore the frantic hints about new people, and go through the rules.Eventually I ease into the blm limiting admission, so only past burners get in.

With a little persuasion, I make them justify their entrance.Their friends are dying to keep from laughing.Some are easy, born burners, some freeze and can't talk, even with coaching.I wish I had it all on film.

"But I have a ticket.""Everybody has a ticket."

One girl was so ready to burn I had to shut her up."Okay, you're in, you're in."

I've had people out of the car and headed back out the gate.

It's very delicate to be convincing.

I can go through the details with anyone that wants to use it.It has to be done just right.

Savannah wrote:Greeters, by nature, are disinclined to defend themselves, so this is really one big GPE Wank.

There is quite a bit of difference between what a Greeter does and PGE...

Yeah--that's why it's an uncomfortable comparison to begin with. Gate is a necessity; Greeters are a frippery. It's like comparing the Rangers with the BRC Post Office. Gate has a hard job and I'm grateful for what they do--I hate stowaways, and love the stories about the ones that get caught. Greeters, on the other hand, made me feel like I was going to be okay that first year when I was scared to be there.

For those who don't know: be aware that you can generally avoid being greeted by heading for a deserted lane at the far end of the Greeter area and just driving through. I can't speak for all Greeters, but I really don't want to greet someone who doesn't want it, nor am I a natural hugger. Those who assume the position, however, receive one.

I have no problem with greeters, really I don't. But when I am in BRC for 3 weeks and am returning to the city from a supply run, I just want to get back to my camp. I always try to head for the open lane, but have had greeters stop me anyhow - and get upset when I don't want to play

That's unfortunate, and I can't support it. That's not actually Greeter-approved behavior (there's a handbook with guidelines and standards) just as being (needlessly) surly or unkind is not officially sanctioned by GPE.

haha, I bet it'd be a tradition for some, to try to find you each year, and be grated in "your special way".........

Actually one of the things that made me realize that BRC is a real place was Ygmir walking up to my bus and say/asking "You're Knowmad. right? "He recognized us Because of a Betsy Duck (<-was a bus) Reference. Then I knew that Eplayans are some of the realest burners in BRC!sorry Savannah... point to YG.

.......................................................................................Oh yeah, this year I was totally twerping out at the fence. ~Lonesombri

It's there to emphasize the rules for people that didn't see the survival guide.

Moop rules and portapotty care and feeding, and so on.Safety rules too.

Ha! I hope you know I was actually comparing Rangers to Gate (necessary thing to necessary thing), and Greeters to the Black Rock City Post Office (you can arguably get by without them, but it can be great, depending). Being a Greeter like yourself, I know that we have use: the survival guides, What/When/Where guides, the map, and new last minute info. I also think Greeters has been helpful with Robbidobb's efforts to give the portapotties the best year yet.

knowmad wrote:sorry Savannah... point to YG.

Why are you sorry? My point is that the two institutions do not invite comparison very well.

I'm jealous that you met Yggy in line. I had to wait until Thursday of the event.

PG&E is definitely more "official" and provides absolutely necessary functions that allow our city to exist but when I've worked as a Greeter I have given countless people directions, tons of important information, hooked them up with their placers, etc...lots of stuff that isn't frippery.

Also, to some, a bit of frippery is really an important start to their week, but YMMV.

PG&E is definitely more "official" and provides absolutely necessary functions that allow our city to exist but when I've worked as a Greeter I have given countless people directions, tons of important information, hooked them up with their placers, etc...lots of stuff that isn't frippery.

Also, to some, a bit of frippery is really an important start to their week, but YMMV.

and don't forget the qualification process for GPE:

Omnipotent intellect.A rapier wit.Cat like grace and speed.Charm And disarmingly attractive, to both sexes.

Why are you sorry? My point is that the two institutions do not invite comparison very well.

I'm jealous that you met Yggy in line. I had to wait until Thursday of the event.

I DID run into three friends at Greeters.[/quote] I'm sorry caus YG will really have to work to Sweeten the pot, to convince me that PG&E is better than Greeters. now Savannah, without sounding like a sexist ass... will you show us one?doesn't need to be yours, just make us laugh!!

.......................................................................................Oh yeah, this year I was totally twerping out at the fence. ~Lonesombri

@Savannah: and I might add, it was wonderful to meet you at the MnG, but, far, far too brief.

Now knowmad:why, would I need to convince you, of that which you know so well."Better" is such an all encompassing term, especially regarding the match up between GPE and Greeters.

True, they (greeters) may well be better huggers........but, they may also be better at drinking bath water.Not saying either is accurate, but pointing out, "better, is in the eye of the beholder".

If a Thunderdomer matchup is to be had....well, I may be a slight, and wispy fellow, demure even, but, I'm a tiger, when cornered!!! Knowing, there are no corners in the ThurnderdomerI might hope to run zig zag until my opponent tires.

And, IIRC, as far as total points, I think Misa, is on our side............

ygmir wrote:True, they (greeters) may well be better huggers........but, they may also be better at drinking bath water.Not saying either is accurate, but pointing out, "better, is in the eye of the beholder".

Savannah wrote:Greeters, by nature, are disinclined to defend themselves, so this is really one big GPE Wank.

For those who don't know: be aware that you can generally avoid being greeted by heading for a deserted lane at the far end of the Greeter area and just driving through. I can't speak for all Greeters, but I really don't want to greet someone who doesn't want it, nor am I a natural hugger. Those who assume the position, however, receive one.

I myself am a closet hugger. And the greeters really did share our enthusiasm and were very nice to us.

Savannah wrote:Greeters, by nature, are disinclined to defend themselves, so this is really one big GPE Wank.

There is quite a bit of difference between what a Greeter does and PGE...

For those who don't know: be aware that you can generally avoid being greeted by heading for a deserted lane at the far end of the Greeter area and just driving through. I can't speak for all Greeters, but I really don't want to greet someone who doesn't want it, nor am I a natural hugger. Those who assume the position, however, receive one.

I have no problem with greeters, really I don't. But when I am in BRC for 3 weeks and am returning to the city from a supply run, I just want to get back to my camp. I always try to head for the open lane, but have had greeters stop me anyhow - and get upset when I don't want to play :?

I think they're doing it wrong.

The Lady with a Lamprey

"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri